Monastic chicken
Monastery Chicken: A Delicious Oven Recipe
Welcome to our kitchen! Today we present a delicious recipe, perfect for both lunch and dinner: Monastery Chicken. This dish combines the rich flavors of chicken breast with mushrooms and smoked bacon, all in a creamy sauce that will delight your senses. This dish is not only savory but also simple to prepare.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, while mushrooms provide vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, selenium, and antioxidants. Additionally, cream and smoked bacon add flavor, but it’s best to consume them in moderation.
Necessary Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast
- 300 g mushrooms (preferably champignon or wild mushrooms)
- 300 g cream
- 50 g butter
- 3 green onions
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 200 g smoked bacon
- 200 ml white wine
- 3 egg yolks
- Black pepper, salt, and thyme to taste
Recipe History
The Monastery Chicken recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, inspired by simple yet flavorful dishes that were cooked in monasteries, where monks used basic but fresh ingredients. These dishes often reflect respect for nature and local ingredients.
Preparation Steps
1. Preparing the Chicken: Start by cleaning and washing the chicken breast. Cut it into smaller pieces, ideal for even cooking. In a pan, melt 25 g of butter over medium heat and brown the chicken pieces on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Once the chicken is browned, remove it and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onion: In the same pan, add the remaining butter and sauté the finely chopped green onions. Sauté until they become translucent (about 3-4 minutes). This step is essential to bring the onion flavor into the final dish.
3. Add Garlic and Spices: Once the onion is ready, add the finely chopped garlic. Let it sauté for 1 minute, then deglaze with a little water or vegetable broth. This will add moisture and intensify the flavors.
4. Return the Chicken: Put the chicken back in the pan, add pepper, thyme, and salt to taste. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Here, the chicken will absorb all the delicious flavors.
5. Add the Cream: After the chicken is cooked, pour the cream over it and let it simmer for a few minutes. This creamy sauce will bind all the ingredients and make the dish even tastier.
6. Preparing the Bacon: In another pan, sauté the sliced bacon in butter. Add the white wine and let it simmer until the bacon becomes tender. This step adds a smoky note and deep flavor to the dish.
7. Preparing the Mushrooms: In a separate pot, boil the mushrooms for 5 minutes to soften them. This will help preserve their texture and flavors.
8. Assembling the Dish: In a baking dish, arrange alternating layers of bacon slices and chicken pieces. Make sure the last layer consists of mushrooms. On top of the mushrooms, add the remaining cream from the chicken and prepare a sauce from the juice in which the bacon was cooked: mix the juice with the 3 beaten egg yolks and pour over the mushrooms.
9. Baking: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes, until the sauce binds well and forms a golden crust.
10. Serving: Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve hot, alongside a portion of steaming polenta, which will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Monastery Chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh seasonal salad, a dry white wine, or even a craft beer. This will bring a pleasant contrast to the richness of the sauce.
Tips and Variations
- You can substitute mushrooms with broccoli or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, add some rosemary or sage during cooking.
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey will work well, but cooking time may vary.
- How can I make the recipe spicier? Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper during cooking.
- Is this recipe good for making in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare everything a day ahead and reheat before serving.
We invite you to try this Monastery Chicken recipe and let us know how it turned out! Cooking is an art, and each recipe is an opportunity to bring joy and flavor to the tables of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 500g chicken, 300g mushrooms, 300g sour cream, 50g butter, 3 green onions, 3 cloves of garlic, 200g smoked bacon, 200ml white wine, 3 egg yolks, black pepper, salt, thyme
